Below is just a small selection of the many places to visit.

Holy Island ( Lindisfarne ) : the "birthplace" of Christianity in England , and still a place of pilgrimage for those on the Christian Heritage trail. The horizon of the island is dominated by the profile of Lindisfarne Castle, a National Trust property open to the public. The ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, once the home of St. Cuthbert for whom the Lindisfarne Gospels were penned between 710 - 720 AD, is also open to the public.

Historic Towns : Northumberland is a region rich in historic market towns and villages. Just up the road lies the town of Berwick upon Tweed which historically was the scene of many a brutal battle between English and Scots changing hands on a very regular basis. Alnwick, Kelso and Edinburgh are also within easy reach and worthwhile visiting.

Castles : Northumberland has more castles and fortified houses than any other English county. As well as nearby Bamburgh Castle (2 miles) with it's Arthurian connections and dragon legend, the spectacular cliff-top ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and the, "Windsor of the North" Alnwick Castle - more recently made famous as the setting for the Harry Potter movies, are all within easy travelling distance from your comfortable base at Orchard Cottage. Other castles of note include Warkworth Castle, Chillingham Castle, Lindisfarne Castle and Norham Castle.

Alnwick Gardens : Alnwick Gardens, The totally restored and enhanced Alnwick Gardens project is one of the most imaginative garden developments to have taken place in recent times. Open to the public 365 days a year, there is always something to see and do.

Country Houses : All within easy reach lie Cragside, the first house in Europe to be powered by electricity, the startling stone dragon heads at Wallington Hall, the spectacular "collection" at Belsay - with it's 14th Century Castle, 17th Century manor house and 19th century neoclassical hall, and many other National Trust properties.

Battle Sites : Once a distinctly less tranquil place than it is today, Northumberland has a multitude of fascinating historical military and battle sites well worth a visit - from the World Heritage Centre that is Hadrian's Wall, to the poignant rolling landscape of Flodden Field.

The Coast : Endless stretches of golden sands dotted with tiny character filled seaside villages such as Beadnell, Seahouses, Craster (world famous for its kippers) and Alnmouth.

Day Trips : Orchard Cottage is also an ideal base for day trips further afield in the North east of England - to Durham Cathedral, shop-till-you-drop in Newcastle upon Tyne, take a step back in time at Beamish Museum and not forgetting the delights of the nearby Scottish Borders and the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh.